Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfax, VT (2024 Update)
- Fairfax Solar Installation Cost: $15,500
- 25-Year Savings: $22,340
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfax
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Fairfax.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fairfax, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fairfax, the average price of going solar will be about $15,500 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Fairfax for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fairfax
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,139 |
| 3 years | $-11,417 |
| 5 years | $-8,695 |
| 7 years | $-5,974 |
| 9 years | $-3,252 |
| 11 years | $-530 |
| 13 years | $2,192 |
| 15 years | $4,913 |
| 17 years | $7,635 |
| 19 years | $10,357 |
| 21 years | $13,079 |
| 23 years | $15,800 |
| 25 years | $18,522 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfax
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Fairfax, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Fairfax
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfax
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fairfax is $15,500, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,850. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fairfax to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fairfax is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Fairfax are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.00 | $16,817 | $18,543 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $25,156 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $31,984 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $39,027 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $46,286 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $53,761 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $61,451 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $69,357 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Fairfax, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairfax?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairfax is about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Fairfax?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.